RDCL held its ordinary general assembly on June 2, at ESA Business School to elect a new board of directors in accordance with its bylaws.

In a notable milestone, the newly elected board elected Ms. Joumana Saddi Chaya as President, making her the first woman to hold this position since the Association’s establishment in 1986, and the first woman to serve on Lebanon’s economic bodies. The election results were as follows: Joumana Saddi Chaya – President; Cyrille Arida – Vice President; Robert Kanaan – Secretary-General; Hassan Sinno – External Relations Officer; Hassib Lahoud – Membership Officer; Valerie Zakka Standen – Treasurer; and Diane Ayoub , Christelle Boustany, Dalia Jubaili, Nadim Daher, Jean TAWILE, and Labib NASR – Board Members.

The general assembly was held in the presence of the Minister of Industry, Mr. Joe Issa El Khoury, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Mr. Karim Souaid, as guests of honor — underscoring the importance of public-private sector collaboration in supporting Lebanon’s recovery.

Mr. Maxence DUAULT, Director General of ESA Business School, delivered the opening remarks, expressing his “delight at seeing Lebanese business leaders work tirelessly, despite the challenges and crises facing Lebanon, to help the country overcome hardships”.

Outgoing RDCL President, Mr. Nicolas Boukather, gave a speech in which he said: “During my mandate, I worked to defend the legal private sector in Lebanon’s darkest moments, and in every challenge, I found meaning and pride. The election of Joumana Saddi Chaya as the first female President of the Association and the first woman to join Lebanon’s economic organizations is a pioneering achievement. In addition to her valuable expertise, her election will reinforce the role of women in Lebanon’s economic leadership.” He continued: “The legal private sector is the key to unleashing Lebanon’s tremendous potential. It did not simply withstand the crisis—it bore the weight of an entire nation on its shoulders.” Calling for “urgent reforms before it is too late.”

The newly elected President Ms. Joumana Saddi Chaya, stated: “It is an honor to be the first woman to lead the Association. This is a pivotal moment in the journey of this Association, which I am proud to be part of. I promise to carry this responsibility with dedication and commitment.” She thanked the outgoing President, saying: “Thank you for your wise leadership, perseverance, and unwavering belief in Lebanon and its legal private sector.” She also thanked the outgoing board members, emphasizing “a continued commitment to the strong foundation established during their tenure.” She added: “Lebanon is undergoing a phase of positive reform — this is a valuable opportunity we must seize as a committed legal private sector that leads rather than observes.”